Cambridge United goalkeeper Jack Stevens has been ruled out for the next three to four weeks with a hamstring injury.
The 26-year-old, who joined the U’s last summer, picked up the complaint during the 4-0 defeat at Reading last time out.
Head coach Garry Monk said: “Jack picked up a hamstring injury at the Reading game. He’s not due to return until probably around the Derby game (20 April).
“That’s the timeframe but these ones are always a little bit by ear with how he feels on a daily basis.”
Stevens’ absence will hand an opportunity to deputy goalkeeper Will Mannion.
The 25-year-old came off the bench to replace Stevens at Reading, but prior to that his previous appearance had not been since early November in an EFL Trophy clash against Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s.
Monk added: “It’s a little bit like George (Thomas, cruciate) in my first few days here. Of course you don’t want to lose important players but it’s unfortunately part of life.
“On the opposite side of that it’s an opportunity for someone. We’ve got Will and it’s an opportunity for him. Judging by the last couple of weeks and the way he’s trained, he’s looking forward to it.”
With Stevens sidelined, Monk also took the decision earlier this week to recall young goalkeeper Louis Chadwick from his loan stint at non-league outfit Royston Town.
“It filters down. With Chadders, he’s been out getting experience and he’s match ready as well,” he said.
“Bringing him back into the fold was part and parcel of what we’ve got to do.”
Meanwhile, Monk confirmed that Harrison Dunk, Glenn McConnell and Saikou Janneh are all scheduled to return from their long-term injuries around the final week of the season.
In contrast, Fejiri Okenabirhie, Gassan Ahadme, Lewis Simper, Kai Yearn and George Hoddle have all taken a full part in training over the last few days and are in contention for a place in the squad that travels to Barnsley tomorrow.
